Courtesy of Monmouth Athletics
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth University Head Softball Coach Louie Berndt has announced the addition of former National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American Jessica Garcia as Assistant Coach. Garcia played collegiately at New Mexico and has gone on to a professional career with the Akron Racers.
“I am very excited that Jessica is joining our program,” said Berndt. “Her experience and knowledge of the game will help us continue our quest for a MAAC title and ensure that our players will continue to have the best information possible to become champions.”
Garcia comes to West Long Branch from the University of Redlands (Calif.), where she helped the Bulldogs to the 2014 NCAA Division III Regionals as an assistant coach. Garcia also remains involved with the Akron Racers of the National Pro-Fastpitch League as a signed player, promoter, and educator of the sport.
While at New Mexico as a student-athlete, Garcia put together an impressive softball career, culminating in the program’s first NFCA All-American since 1990 and only the fifth in Lobo history. She also was named to the Easton All-America Second Team following her senior season. Finally, Garcia landed on the Mountain West All-Conference Team and earned a pair of NFCA All-West Region nods before completing her career.
The two-time Offensive and Most Valuable Player of the Year established multiple single-season records at New Mexico, including home runs (24), throwing out runners (21), hits (81), RBI (69), slugging percentage (.917), and total bases (166). Garcia currently owns the career record for throwing out runners with 64, and ranks among the top five in hits (fifth, 193), RBI (second, 133), and total bases (second, 346).
During the 2012-13 season, Garcia served as a student assistant coach for the Lobos, working primarily with the catchers on skill and mental development behind the plate. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Psychology from New Mexico in May 2013.
